The 4 Most Abused Prescription Drugs

Prescription drug abuse is one of the leading issues when it comes to the addiction epidemic we face today. The problem is that people using the most abused prescription drugs don’t realize the risk they’re taking. Once the person develops an addiction, it’s extremely difficult for the person to acknowledge they have a problem. By learning about these potentially addictive medications, you can get help for yourself or a loved one.

Opioids are the Most Abused Prescription Drugs

When people think of the opioid epidemic, many think that heroin is the main problem, but it’s not. Most people who develop an opioid addiction started with one of the many forms of prescription opioids. These medications are for people who struggle with chronic pain, or they receive them after an injury or surgery. The problem is that these medications give a euphoric feeling and can create a physical dependency.

The most commonly abused opioids include:

Codeine

Hydrocodone

Morphine

Oxycodone

Fentanyl

Benzodiazepines for Anxiety

Those who struggle with various types of anxiety disorders typically receive benzodiazepines like Xanax or Valium. These medications act by helping to deactivate the brain’s fight or flight response in the Amygdala. The medications act as a tranquilizer, but many people begin abusing the medication for different reasons. There is also a growing problem with young people abusing benzodiazepines, making it one of the most abused prescription drugs.

Medications for ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a serious mental illness that makes it difficult to focus. People who struggle with symptoms of ADHD commonly use prescription medications like Ritalin and Adderall. The problem is that these medications are stimulants, so they mimic the effects of drugs like cocaine or methamphetamines. Many young people abuse these medications in conjunction with alcohol so they can drink more without feeling the effects.

Over-The-Counter Medications

Although prescription medications are a major issue in our country, many young people also abuse over-the-counter medications. It’s common for young people to experiment with these types of medications because they don’t need a prescription. The common medications that one can abuse without a prescription include Dextromethorphan (DXM), Pseudoephedrine, and Dimenhydrinate. These medications can be extremely dangerous by causing hallucinations, psychosis, and other symptoms.

If you or someone you know is showing the signs of prescription medication addiction, Hawaii Island Recovery can help. We’re a facility in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and offer a beautiful, tranquil setting for people to receive addiction treatment. We’re a full-service treatment facility that provides everything from detoxification to aftercare services.

Our team dedicates themselves to seeing our clients overcome addiction and learn how to live a better life without the use of drugs. Some of the programs we offer at Hawaii Island Recovery include:

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Who We Are

Hawaii Island Recovery, the Big Island’s premiere residential substance abuse rehabilitation facility for adults, offers a comprehensive treatment program in a tranquil and healing environment. Providing the best evidence-based treatment, medically supervised detox, and holistic and experiential therapies, Hawaii Island Recovery combines the most effective treatment modalities to support long term sobriety.